Guard patrolling is a great way to secure premises. When a well-trained security officer patrols an area, a residential society, for instance, it gives residents peace of mind and a sense of vigilant security. Similarly, factories and construction sites also deploy patrolling teams for maximum protection.
From a security perspective, guard patrolling is viable and effective. However, the management side of this approach is a bit challenging. Monitoring the performance of mobile security teams patrolling a specific area differs from that of static security officers.
As a supervisor, you have to keep an eye on the movement of your staff. You can only do this by tracking real-time location and patrolling history. Hence, a security guard patrolling system becomes essential for close monitoring and better results.
This article discusses security guard patrolling and explains how UK businesses can benefit from this technology.
So, let’s get started!
What is a Security Guard Patrolling?
Security guard patrolling refers to a mobile approach to protecting an area. It involves regular patrols of security guards across specific checkpoints. Patrolling teams identify suspects and immediately respond if they find something unusual.
For example, a large construction site is at risk of theft and intrusion. There are no definite entry or exit points. Hence, trespassers can intrude into the prohibited area and steal expensive equipment or construction material. As a result, site owners and builders may suffer from financial losses and project delays.
Protecting such a large and open site is, therefore, not easy. Only mobile patrolling teams can be handy in this situation. Security guards can patrol the area after regular intervals and look for suspicious persons. Besides, they remain in contact with other security team members throughout the patrolling cycle.
Eventually, security guard patrolling can restrict intruders from trespassing on the construction site. The approach ensures site safety and gives builders peace of mind.
Why is Managing Patrolling Guards Challenging?
Consider a door supervisor, access control manager, or CCTV monitoring specialist. One common aspect of all these security roles is that they work from a fixed location. They don’t need to move around and usually perform their duties from an office or control room.
It’s not the case with patrolling guards. Instead of working from a fixed location, they keep patrolling the service area at predefined intervals. Mobile patrols are essential to identify potential security risks and prevent breaches through proactive response. This approach makes security guards stay more attentive and vigilant throughout their shift.
Here arises a legitimate question. How can supervisors ensure their security guards are patrolling as per the client’s requirements? Managers are sitting away in their offices. They can’t see security officers live. So, the only way performance can be monitored is by tracking live locations.
The Solution: Automated Security Guard Patrolling System
Cloud-based guard patrolling software can address the concerns of security supervisors. They can use this system to monitor guards’ performance and track their location in real time as they patrol the area.
Below are four ways businesses in the UK can use automated guard patrolling systems to protect their assets:
1. Fair Performance Evaluation
Modern guard patrol systems are powered by GPS tracking and QR-code scanning functionalities. When a security guard is deployed at a remote site, the supervisor can track the live location of that officer. No matter how large a security team is, the software makes performance evaluation easier, more accessible, and more transparent.
GPS tracking has several benefits. Some of these include reduced inaccuracies, improved access efficiency, and quick response times. HR managers can also ensure accountability for everyone and make informed decisions.
2. Proof of Presence
Customers often complain that the shift has already started, but the security guard has not yet reached the site. In some cases, guards leave the site unattended after signing in by reaching the service area. Both these conditions put the safety of the premises at stake.
Guard patrol software is the solution. It ensures the security guards are present at the client site throughout their shift. Supervisors can track guards’ movement while sitting in their office. Hence, issues like absence from the service area and missing changes can be addressed effectively.
3. Robust Reporting System
Reporting is the key to success, particularly in the security industry. Guard patrolling software comes to the top when it comes to documenting the movement of mobile security teams.
An automated patrol system is built to streamline records and make operations more transparent. Security guards must reach various checkpoints physically and scan the QR codes with the mobile app. Each scan sends information about the guard’s location and time.
Once the shift ends, the supervisor can create patrol reports of all security guards and check for missed checkpoints. The patrol reports can also be shared with the client for trust.
4. Team Productivity & Efficiency
Automation drives productivity, and guard patrolling is no exception. This automated solution keeps mobile security teams vigilant and attentive. When guards know they have to scan the checkpoints regularly, they keep patrolling the site and perform their duties with integrity.
As a result, security companies can increase their team productivity and enhance the quality of their security operations. Besides, live tracking eliminates doubts in managers’ minds and ensures security guards are ready to thwart potential threats.
Read this blog to learn how QR code patrolling makes security guards more vigilant.
Final Thoughts
A security guard patrolling system is the best solution to monitor mobile security teams. This cloud-based solution enables supervisors to track the live GPS location of security officers and monitor their movements in real-time. They can significantly reduce the inaccuracies and shortcomings common with manual monitoring methods.
As a result, this automated solution elevates security operations through transparent reporting and enhanced accountability. Managers can also actively respond to emergencies if they notice unusual movement on their dashboard.
In the end, clients are happy with the performance of security teams and tend to build long-term relationships. Security companies can thus leverage this technology to achieve sustainability.